Australian rugby union may hit troubled waters with TV broadcast rights in limbo
- molly510
- Nov 26, 2019
- 1 min read
In Melbourne to launch next year's double-header featuring the Wallabies and Wallaroos against their New Zealand rivals, Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive Raelene Castle spoke about the sport's on-field plan to engage new fans.
Key points: Rugby Australia and Foxtel have reportedly reached an impasse in re-negotiating broadcast rights Fears have been expressed for the future of rugby union in Australia if its broadcast rights move elsewhere Super Rugby's ratings have been in decline on Fox Sports in recent years "I think it's the opportunity for Australians to come to Melbourne and have an experience," she said.
"The Bledisloe Test is so sought after because it's rugby at its absolute height, so one of the challenges and opportunities for Australian rugby is to make sure we rotate it."
But there is a bigger challenge looming for the game to reach a new audience in Australia, one that involves its broadcast future.
Reports have surfaced that Optus has expressed interest in RA's next broadcast rights package after Foxtel walked away from the negotiation table.
Ms Castle did not elaborate on the subject when asked about it at a media conference in Melbourne, except to say that discussions around the deal — which starts in 2021 — are ongoing.
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